In response to the T-EARTH Tree Planting Project promoted by BLIA HQ, while supporting the New Zealand government’s goal of planting a billion trees, Subchapter 1 & 2 of BLIA North Island members participated in the Matariki Community Tree Planting Event at Hunua Domain in South Auckland, and Mutukaroa Hamlins Hill Regional Park respectively on 30th July. Within two hours, a total of over 1,000 native shrubs were planted.
The Subchapter 1 was led by Venerable NengChang and President Meggan Lam. They carried out tree planting under the guidance of Park Ranger Jude Gorden. Jude introduced native shrub Kawakawa which has been grown in this area for over 100 years, because its leaves can be made into nutritious and healing tea, is it very popular amongst the locals, it is also a very important plants for the indigenous Maori people. Planting those tea trees in the soft soil alongside the slopes can protect the erosion of soil and stones.
On the other hand, Venerable NengChien and President Pauline Young led the Subchapter 2 members participated in the Tree Planting Event at Hunua Domain in the Matariki Community in South Auckland, together with over 100 general public. Kara Goddard, Auckland Council Community Ranger, explained the process of tree planting, and explained that Matariki means a cluster of stars that appears in winter, marking the beginning of the Maori Lunar New Year, and a renewal of new lives, is also the best season for planting trees. The replantation project that we have participated in would effectively reduce carbon emissions and prevent silt from entering ports and waterways. Franklin Local Board Member Malcolm Bell is very impressed by BLIA members’ active involvement in tree planting at multiple sites at the same time, thanking BLIA members’ hard-work in tree plantation, not only creating habitat for the native birds and other wildlife, but also accelerating in achieving the goal of urban foresting in Auckland.
During the tree planting activities, President Meggan rejoiced to work hard with a group of caring people towards greening, said that as a member of the community, we should participate in forest protection and tree planting projects. President Pauline expressed her joy in participating in the tree planting activity, and thanked the organizers for preparing a full range of tools, allowing the planting to progress efficiently. Chris, a member of YAD who participated for the first time, believes that it is very meaningful to contribute to the Temple and the community, and the collective creation by the BLIA will bring a strong motivation to the next activity, grateful to the Venerable for leading everyone to participate in this meaningful tree planting activity.
